Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has lamented the growing influence of political thuggery in the country, describing Nigeria as the only nation in Africa where thuggery has evolved into a profession.
Jonathan made the remarks on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Law Week in Abuja, where he called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems to deepen democracy and restore public trust in elections.
The former president warned that political violence and the empowerment of thugs continue to threaten democratic values and weaken institutions across the country.
According to him, the level of influence and wealth enjoyed by some political thugs now surpasses that of respected professionals, including academics.
“Look, Nigeria is the only country where thuggery is a profession in Africa. I don’t want to mention the state. Some thugs, when they are travelling out of this country, fly first class, while university professors struggle to manage to buy economy tickets,” Jonathan said.
He stressed the need for stronger institutions, credible elections, and reforms capable of discouraging violence and manipulation in the political process.
